Jim Guthrie, Sarah Harmer & Bry Webb - "Long Time Before This (Gwaii Haanas)". This song scarcely exists, the shortest 2:30 in recent memory. But it needn't be any longer, needn't have more flesh. It's an unveiling, an arrival, a series of wakings-up. I am reminded of the opening of Fred Penner's Place, a Canadian children's show from the 80s - mostly because of the feeling, I hope, though it's probably also because of the context. "Long Time Before This" is taken from National Parks Project, a collection of songs inspired by Canada's national parks. In this case, three musicians were thrown together at Gwaii Haanas, in British Columbia. They must have seen dew, dawn, raindrops on spiderweb. Maybe waterstriders, or the sea as it swallowed stones. But the thing that lingers with me, that leaves me wondering, is not the morning of this song; it's the night before, the preceding moments, the secret conversations, the green glass & shared meal, in their cabin in the woods.
Kate Bush - "Snowflake". So this is love.
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Haven't decided how I feel about it yet, but "Serpents" is the first taste from Tramp the upcoming second LP by Sharon Van Etten, who made my favourite song of 2009.
Posted by Sean at November 28, 2011 11:27 AMI haven't been to StG in years now. Back when I was younger, before I was struck with a bad case of full-time job, I used to have a list of music blogs I would check daily. I'll be honest, the vast majority of stuff that comes out doesn't particularly grab me -- It can be talented, catchy, but I've never really looked for that. I want that "something" that produces a time-travel effect. It takes you from your world into its own world.
My mind wanders, I came here after years - doubtful to find the gems I used to, but, low and behold, here they are. As if these songs were songs I'd heard years ago when I used to peruse this site daily and I had just forgotten them.
Thanks guys for "Long Time Before This," and The Hidden Word's song "Dis" further up the page. You truly don't disappoint.
Posted by Tim at December 2, 2011 5:02 PMI just discovered your blog and what lovely music you have to share. I love the song- Long Before This- and particularly loved the throw back nostalgia to Fred Penner (the best Canadian prairie entertainer!) It was nice to watch that intro and it really does have a similar feel. I do have to admit I am a bit biased, since Fred Penner is from Winnipeg, my hometown.
Posted by Shoshana at December 4, 2011 2:02 PM
and it will begin playing. All songs are also available to download: just right-click the link and choose 'Save as...'
